Have you ever considered what honoring leadership in the church looks like? Why does it matter? The enemy makes a great effort to try and cause division and issues in this area. What is he trying to rob from the body of Christ? Today let’s look at how honoring leadership in the church is essential to establishing unity in the church body.
Leadership in the Church is a calling established by God. People might look at the outward appearance thinking someone might (or might not) be a good fit for leadership; however, God looks at the heart. God knows the gifts He has placed in man, and He wants to grow every person in their gifts. Each person you find in authority is under God’s authority and we can trust them with Him.
Church leadership is also a gift from God to the body of Christ for its health and welfare.
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men… 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Ephesians 4:8, 11-13 KJV
We don’t always fully comprehend the responsibilities that church leadership entails. We don’t see behind the scenes; the sacrifices of time, energy, and even resources that they pour into caring for the body of Christ. Not only is the individual impacted, but their whole family participates in supporting them and submitting their lives to God for His purposes.
We can be part of the solution in love!
As the body members, we can participate with Him by honoring and assisting the church leadership and caring for one another. If we see that a leader struggles in an area, that is not the time to pounce on their weakness. That is when they need to be lifted up in prayer and supported with love from the body. We often expect a leader to be a safe place for us, but God also calls the body of Christ to be a safe place for those He places in authority.
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17 KJV
Even leadership needs grace and mercy
It takes a lot of courage for a person to take a position of authority in the church. Pastor Henry W. Wright used to say that the pastor is like the hood ornament on the front of a car; they catch all of the bugs. A person in authority is indeed under greater scrutiny, and God also holds them to a higher level of responsibility for their conduct. However, even they have a growing process in God. If anything, they need more grace and compassion in their learning curve.
In his letter to the Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul encourages the church to do the following.
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 KJV
Practice gratefulness
Today we challenge you to practice gratefulness towards your local church leadership. Thank God for them, and support them in prayer. The benefits of honoring leadership in the church will bless the whole body of Christ. When the body of Christ functions in unity and wholeness under godly authority, we will see God working powerfully through its members. What an inspiring and exciting prospect! Don’t we all want to see God working more through us?
Honoring a wonderful group of people
There is an amazing group of people positioned worldwide called the ACTS Global® pastors. Their lives have been deeply impacted and blessed by what they’ve learned at Be in Health®, and they have answered God’s calling on their hearts to lead others to health and wholeness in Him. We are so thankful for each individual, couple, and family that is participating as ACTS pastors in their local areas.
Today, we’d like to introduce to you two of our newest ACTS Pastors, Scott and Coreen St. John, from Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Scott and Coreen St. John, ACTS Pastors of Living Hope Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Scott and Coreen St. John grew up in the same small farming community in Saskatchewan, Canada. After graduating and dating a year, they got married in 1980. Their walk with God began soon after, in the mid-80s. Ever since, they have been growing and maturing in their relationship with each other and with God. In 1994 they relocated to Calgary, Alberta, which remains their home today.
Over the years, they have been active in the church, volunteering, and holding various positions and leadership roles. They also hosted and led several Bible studies.
A turning point and new hope
The St. John’s journey with Be in Health started in 2008 when Coreen saw pastors Henry and Donna on an It’s a New Day television program. She had searched many years for relief from anxiety and an orphaned heart, and the biblical truth that Pastor Henry presented about fear gave her hope. That same year they attended the For My Life® Retreat in Thomaston, Georgia, and in 2017 they attended the Be in Health Marriage Conference. They’ve also served at For My Life Near You and Be in Health Conferences that Pastor Henry taught in Calgary.
The process of growing into their calling
The Father has been merciful as He’s joined them in walking out of issues in their life and relationship. As they’ve grown in the Word of God and practiced what they learned at Be in Health, they sensed God’s calling to disciple others. In September 2020, they were ordained as ACTS Global Pastors. They’ve chosen the name, Living Hope Church, for their local fellowship because they recall Pastor Wright referring to the church as a living organism. The name of their church reminds them always that we’ve been born again into a living hope.
Sincere hearts to serve
Scott and Coreen are humbled by their new roles and count on the Holy Spirit to lead them in God’s strength, grace, and mercy. The support of Be in Health and Pastor John Shales has been significant to them as they’ve navigated the path to becoming ACTS pastors.
The St. Johns share a passion for teaching and serving others and guiding them to health and wholeness in their spirit, soul, and body. They are blessed with three grown children and their spouses, as well as seven grandchildren. They share a love for the outdoors; Coreen likes to walk, and Scott enjoys riding his quad (ATV).
How you can support the ACTS pastors
Please consider adding our ACTS Pastors to your prayer list, many of whom are just beginning local fellowships. Pray that God will draw people to their fellowships with hearts that are hungry for His love and truth and with spirits ready to receive and grow into who God created them to be. Pray for grace and wisdom for the Pastors and elders; that God will lead them in wisdom, grace, and love. Also, please pray that God will continue to call others to start ACTS churches in their areas and prepare them to serve their communities.
As always, keep your own church leadership in prayer. You may even ask God for inspiration on how you can support them and bless them for their work’s sake.
Is God calling you?
If you feel a calling on your heart to lead others to health and wholeness through the Biblical principles you’ve learned at Be in Health, please prayerfully consider reaching out to ACTS Global. We are dedicated to supporting the shepherds under our care and discipling them through the process of growing and caring for a local assembly of believers.
Blessings and Peace,
The Be in Health Team
To find an ACTS Church near you, click here
Meet more of our ACTS Pastors:
David and Dawn Isaac – Louisville, KY
Travis and Kathy Worthman – Thomasville, GA
Lee and Cassandra Walker – Tillamook, OR
Martin and Annabel Williamson – Berkshire, UK
Loyd and Shelley Davis – Carlesbad, CA
Stephen and Deidra Howard – Laurel, DE
Mike and Dana Sherstad – Monroe, WA
Tenickia Polk – Alexandria, VA
Don and Jane Shelton – Dallas – Ft. Worth, TX
Junior and Janice Lamb – Presque Isle, ME
Would you like to read more about ACTS Global? Here are some related articles:
ACTS – A Napkin and a Vision
ACTS – The First Century Church
Carrying on the Vision of Pastor Henry W. Wright
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